To many, what comes to mind on hearing above expression is an environment where only the tough dare to tread on. Kano used to have a decent estate at the heart of the town called No Man’s Land. Some other cities may also have similar situations. That of Kano was probably official. But some in other areas may not be. For that of Lagos for instance, it is just a street or area name, not officially written anywhere. Why do some people lose sleep whenever that name is mentioned in respect of Lagos? Is it that it is always used during times of fracas between two major tribes who unwittingly compete for dominance in the megacity? It may even be called upon by people who feel inadequacies in terms of indigeneship laws but not residency laws of Nigeria. Since it does not rob anybody of his rights or convey on another any additional rights, why would the mere mention of a possible consolation street name provoke some people to the extent of steaming for a physical duel? Even if the population ratio of “visitor” to indigene is 9 to 1, this fact alone should not interfere with the ability of relevant authorities to administer the city beautifully. Afterall, a few years ago Dubai had a visitor/indigene ratio of 1,800,000/200,000 while enjoying excellent administration, and Nigerians flocked there for vacation, shopping and medical care. Until the relevant laws are changed in Nigeria, there is little anyone can do about citizens’ rights whether in terms of voting or otherwise. If a non-Kano indigene can become governor of Kano state by popular vote, and a black American become president of the most powerful nation on earth also by popular vote, why would some people go down so low as to physically try to stop others from voting in an election just because they are perceived (for being ‘visitors’) to have differing political choices from theirs? If we don’t like the laws, we should follow prescribed ways of changing them. I think we should learn to be good Nigerans wherever we find ourselves
